Strictly Star Expresses Gratitude Ahead of Birmingham Tour Launch
With just hours remaining before the curtain rises on the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour in Birmingham, one of the show's beloved contestants has shared a heartfelt reflection on his transformative journey. Lewis Cope, the 30-year-old actor who captured the nation's heart during the latest series, has spoken candidly about the profound impact his Strictly experience has had on his life.
An Unexpected Journey of Joy and Inspiration
The former Emmerdale star, who partnered with professional dancer Katya Jones, 36, throughout the competition, described feeling "very blessed" to have been given the opportunity to participate in the iconic BBC show. Despite their surprising elimination during Musicals Week, which sent shockwaves through the Strictly fanbase, Lewis maintains nothing but positive feelings about his time in the glittering ballroom.
"I wasn't really ready for the impact it was going to have," Lewis confessed. "It had such a beautiful impact, and it was all super positive and I feel very blessed."
Record-Breaking Achievements and Lasting Memories
Reflecting on specific highlights from his Strictly journey, Lewis expressed particular pride in the performance milestones he achieved alongside Katya. "Even looking at the performance side, I feel very lucky to have got the first ten, to have got the first 40, to get the first two 40s in Strictly history and to win the first ever instant dance," he revealed, acknowledging the historic nature of their accomplishments.
Katya, equally emotional about their shared experience, interjected with her own perspective on their partnership. "I'm super proud of every single number. You know, we watch them back quite regularly," the professional dancer admitted, highlighting the lasting bond formed through their collaboration.
Overwhelming Public Support and New Beginnings
The pair described being genuinely moved by the public's reaction following their elimination from the competition. "Thank you to the people because the week after we got eliminated, everywhere we went there was so much love," Katya explained, with Lewis adding: "People were crying, coming up to me in the street who didn't know us."
This overwhelming support has inspired the duo to continue their dance journey beyond the television studio. They have since launched a series of dance classes that are touring the country, including sessions in Lewis's hometown of Hartlepool. "We're so, so grateful, and that allowed us to actually carry on," Katya explained. "We're going around the country now doing our own dance classes, because we saw that people got inspired by it."
Tour Details and Continuing Legacy
The Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour commences its run at Birmingham's Utilita Arena from January 23rd through January 25th, offering fans the opportunity to experience the magic of Strictly in person. For Lewis and Katya, the tour represents another chapter in what has become a life-changing experience that continues to inspire both themselves and their growing fanbase across the United Kingdom.
